SKIPPER Ian Sutcliffe led from the front as Abbey Sefton Hospital Hightown got their 2010 league campaign off to a flying start with a remarkable 42 run win over Colwyn Bay.

The Ocean Park outfit looked to be heading for a heavy defeat after collapsing from 66 for 1-97 all out. Sutcliffe top scored with 30 and opener Guy Edwards contributed 26, but their innings was wrecked by Lancashire's Gareth Cross, who claimed 4-20 and polished off the tail with a hat-trick.

After the tea break Sutcliffe and Australian débutant Nick Death then combined to stun the Welshmen.

Left arm paceman Death (4-29) ripped out both openers and then Sutcliffe, who is enjoying his tenth season as captain, demolished the middle order. He returned stunning figures of 5 for 11 from 12.1 overs as Bay crashed to 55 all out.

Hightown's second team put in a disappointing show with the bat, but managed to cling on for the draw at Rainhill.

Opposition opener Matthew Dooling struck an unbeaten century as the home side amassed 210 for 6 from 46 overs.

Paul Weldon (2 for 22) and Stephen Wright (1 for 14) impressed with the ball, but a combination of a short leg-side boundary and some big hitting from the Rainhill batters put the hosts in the driving seat.

Apart from Jeffri Salleh (35), none of the top order were able to make a significant contribution and wickets fell at regular intervals.

With the win beyond them, Jason Salleh and Matthew Fisher batted out the remaining overs to lead Hightown to safety at 97 for 9 - a lucky escape.

On Sunday, the third team made a valiant attempt to chase down Alder's 201 for 9 declared and ended up just four runs short.

In a pulsating match, Jon Bell (3-33) and James Radcliffe (1-18) made the early breakthroughs, although a middle order recovery took the West Derby-based club to 132-4.

Experienced duo Gary Burcher (3-38) and Allen Wain (2-25) then struck as the home side declared after 50 overs.

Josh Alderson was star performer with the bat, the youngster hitting a sparkling 74, and was well supported by skipper Russ Brennan (38).

But despite further contributions from Rob Blakemore (25) and Jon Bell (17), the visitors were dismissed for 197 - just five runs short of victory.

This weekend sees Hightown make the short trip to Northern for a league derby.Š The second team host Prestatyn while on Sunday the thirds are at home to Old Xaverians.Š

In a correction to last week's report, Nick Death currently resides in Sydney's northern suburbs and represents the Mosman club.